The small village naturally belonged to the Saint Laurent Empire. They had to go around the Kalana Plains and ride for another five to six days before they could reach the destination of the fleet, Stone Harbor. After that, they would have to cross the mountainous Red Stone Mountain area to reach the real front line. This place was just a region that was closer to the north of the empire.
However, the atmosphere in the village seemed to be a little off. The people with gloomy faces seemed to be unwilling to talk much. In the distance, there seemed to be a funeral procession. Brand, who had seen such a scene in Silversail Town, was not unfamiliar with it. However, this small village that was not even a third of the size of Silversail Town actually carried out seven or eight coffins at once. It was enough to make one's hair stand on end.
Scouting was originally a Shadow Hunter's forte, but in human territory, Ito, who hid his head and tail, was no match for Brand, who was wearing a long robe and holding a staff. The mage held back his laughter and pretended to be aloof as he pulled a passerby and asked a few simple questions. He found out that they were sending a young man from the village to his grave.
However, these young men from the village did not die at the front line. The young men who had just been recruited into the army bid farewell to their families and were attacked when they passed through the Kalana Plains, leaving only incomplete corpses. Upon hearing this, the veins in the mage's hand that was holding his staff bulged. Could it be that…the old incident in Silversail Town was happening again?
Naturally, Ito did not know about the demonic antelopes. However, after listening to Brand's description, he was sure that the Shadow Hunters were done by beasts. However, it was obvious that they were not ordinary beasts, because there were only two reasons for beasts to hurt people: First, they would attack out of hunger, and second, their territory or nest would be invaded. It was impossible for the young men from the countryside to not know the way. If the other party was a hungry beast, it was not to the extent that seven or eight people were completely helpless.
According to the information that the mages had gathered, there were only a few corpses and luggage of the new recruits. There was no blood or fur of any wild beasts. There were only human footprints on the ground. Brand, who had fought with the magic antelope before, told the elves about his battle. Itu said that one of the two unique mounts of the elves could leave no traces behind.
What could possibly have killed a few newly enlisted soldiers of the Empire? However, there was a sergeant major from Karana County right in front of him. Brand invited him to the only tavern and grocery store in the village. He could help deliver a message to Colonel Da Vinci and Knight Sharon.
Under the mage's repeated invitation, the flattered sergeant sat respectfully in the seat below Brand. Beside him, Ito had not spoken since he entered the village, except for private conversations with the mages.
" You're welcome, Sergeant Major. We can be considered comrades for the time being." Brand, who had made great progress in dealing with people and things after coming out for a walk, now spoke in a proper manner." As a Mage following the army, I'm very surprised to be able to meet comrades here…"
The older sergeant major put down his wine glass and answered seriously,"" Sir Mage, I was ordered to arrange the food and accommodation for the new recruits. I came to Naya Village as soon as possible to confirm the problem of the village's soldiers. I didn't expect..."
The mage nodded thoughtfully and raised his hand, indicating that the other party did not need to be restrained. He also took a sip of the grain wine brewed in the countryside. The taste was so-so. After a few sips of wine, the sergeant major started to talk more and his expression became more natural. From the conversation, he learned that the soldier who was ordered to urge the recruits was called Fishman, a third-class sergeant major.
"The frontline…Hai, it's still the same. " The Elmians have more offense than defense, while our offense is weak and our defense is tough. The two sides have been in a tug-of-war since then, and apart from the increasing number of casualties, it's not a big deal." Sergeant Major Fishman took off his helmet and placed it on the table. He stroked his hair that was a little messy from the pressure of the helmet and added,"" However, although Karana is a military fortress city, it's still quite a distance away from the front, so I'm not sure if there's been any activity recently."
It was very difficult to fake a mage's badge. The experienced sergeant major had received many mages who followed the army. As soon as he entered the tavern and sat down, he confirmed the mage's identity from the mage's robe. The pattern at the corner of the badge was the three wavy lines unique to the Saint Laurent Empire, so he did not hesitate when he spoke. However, this was all he knew. After a few words, the atmosphere became a little cold.
The mage, who had something to ask Fichman, pretended to be interested and asked him about the customs of the Kalana Plains and his opinion on the recruit murder case. In the end, when the tavern owner served the food, Brand said his request," Erm…Sergeant Major Fichman, I encountered some special circumstances after going out to sea in Hubble County, so please help me deliver a letter to Captain Da Vinci of the Saint Laurent Flying Fish. As for the other letter, please deliver it as well. Captain should know where Knight Sharon is."
Since he knew that he was the captain of the Saint Laurent Flying Fish and the commander of the escort fleet, it was easy to send him to the other party through the military supply line. After the meal, the mage wrote two letters. The content was basically the same. Later, he woke up to find that he had been washed to a small island in the waves. A boat passed by and rescued him, but because of his leg injury, he needed to recuperate for a while before he could report.
Regardless of whether it was true or false, some things should not be explained in detail. He believed that even if this clumsy excuse was seen through, the two of them would not make things difficult for Brand, who had some personal connections. With the proof of the dignified captain and the cavalry captain, there should not be any problems. The mage smiled and sealed his mouth with the fish bladder glue that the tavern owner had sent over. He finally did not have to think about this problem for the time being.
Brand took out a gold coin from his pocket and shoved it into Fishman's hand. The sergeant's face, which was flushed red from drinking, suddenly turned ugly. It was not easy for a mage to treat him to a drink and a meal. How could he take a reward from someone else? However, the mage was in a good mood after solving the problem of following the army. Even the emperor couldn't let people work without paying, so he still let the grateful Fishman accept the gold coin.
The mage's words were also very warm." It's rare to meet a comrade in a place like this. I don't know when we'll meet again, but I'll treat it as treating you and your friends to a drink." When Ito heard this, he seemed to have a strange expression on his face. The mage glared at him when no one was paying attention.
How could Brand, who was born in a humble background, not understand the hardships of the lower class of society? There were several patches on the inside of the sergeant's boots, which looked like it was revered by the civilians, and his blue cloak was almost white from washing. In the past, when he was selling cheap magic toys in the countryside, the mage would always secretly stuff a magic flame into the hands of poor children who did not have any spare money. Thinking of this, the mage's gentle face appeared very calm under the candlelight.
As soon as they stepped out of the tavern, Ito, who was following behind them, suddenly walked two steps faster. He reached out and patted Brand's back, then walked ahead of him, making the mage feel a little puzzled.
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The necessary transition chapter highlighted a little bit of human warmth. I hope that you, who are reading, can enjoy the warmth of your family on the 30th of December. Without friends who can go home, you are not alone. The Legendary Hand wishes you a happy new year: Please recommend and support your collection.
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